Last updated 16:06, Wednesday, 24 September 2008

WEST Cumbria’s new Chief Inspector is no stranger to the area, having worked here for most of her 23-year career.

Chief Insp Mairi Stamper

Mairi Stamper, 45, started the role a week ago, having previously worked in the Protective Services Command Unit at the police headquarters in Penrith.

Working for Cumbria Constabulary runs in the Stamper family.

Her brother-in-law, Hughie Stamper, retired two years ago from the role that Ch Insp Stamper has just taken on and her husband, Joe, is detective sergeant in the professional standards department and was previously sergeant at Maryport.

Speaking about her new role, Ch Insp Stamper said: “I am absolutely delighted to be back in West Cumbria and policing the communities that I live in.

“The majority of my service has been based in west Cumbria, at Keswick, Workington and Cockermouth, so I do know the area. I have policed it at various ranks.”

She joined Cumbria Constabulary in 1985 and has worked mainly in uniform patrol and community policing roles.

In 2002, Ch Insp Stamper was promoted to sergeant at Workington where she worked until her secondment to the neighbourhood policing project at police headquarters in Penrith.

She then took on the role of inspector in marketing and communications and for a short period was staff officer to deputy chief constable Christine Twigg.

In her previous position, Ch Insp Stamper was responsible for the roads policing unit, tactical support group, dog section and firearms.

The mother-of-two said: “I have enjoyed it all, but I think the most rewarding part of my career is working with the communities.

“If you feel you are helping to improve the quality of their lives that is the most rewarding.”

During the past 15 months, the role of Acting Chief Inspector has been filled twice by Kevin Greenhow.

Mr Greenhow will now take on the role of Inspector in charge of the custody and criminal justice unit.

Insp Greenhow said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. It has been especially pleasing for me because I have been able to do it in west Cumbria.

“I have worked with Mairi before and I know that I am leaving West Cumbria neighbourhood policing in safe hands.”